1.  We've talked about spiritual practices as ways that we abide in Christ, and as ways that we allow Christ's life to have more "room" in our hearts.  With this in mind, what do you think is the role of Confession in helping us to abide? in allowing Christ greater room in our hearts?  

2.  Read 1 John 1:5-9.  Do you see a connection between "walking in the light" and confessing our sins?  

What is the relationship between "having fellowship with one another" and confession?

3.  Jean talked about regular time she has with friends that's set aside specifically for confession with one another.  Read James 5:16 and consider Jean's experience with her friends–how can confessing our sins to one another enrich and deepen our experience of confession?  of forgiveness?  of fellowship? 

4.  Jean said that "confession is participating in the grace of God."  If sin separates us from God, how does confession help us participate in grace?

5.  William Barclay said, "If we're going to take holiness seriously, we have to take sin seriously."  Why is that, do you think?

6.  Think of a specific time when you've needed to extend forgiveness and a time when you needed to be forgiven (don't share anything you're not willing to and definitely don't mention names!).  How does your experience in these cases help you understand the difference between knowing we're forgiven and receiving forgiveness?

7.  An awareness of sin ("conviction") is one way we know the Holy Spirit is at work in us.  Read the following passages and discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in sin, confession, and forgiveness:  John 16:7-11; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:14-16.